Nepal not overawed by hosts

Nepal not overawed by hosts

Sports Reporter

What cricket means to Nepal can perhaps easily be understood by a mere glance at a photo that has gone viral on twitter ever since Nepal's thrashing 80-run win over Hong Kong in the World Twenty20 on Sunday.
The powerful image, which displayed thousands of Nepalese sitting on the streets of Basanthpur's Durbar Square to watch their nation's opening encounter, in a way showed how cricket was more than just a game to the Himalayan nation and the immense influence that Nepal's performance at the big stage can have on their youth.
It was something that overwhelmed Nepal captain Paras Khadka as well.
"I think that will be the next cover photo on my Facebook page. It was amazing, the kind of response we are getting from back home. I think we have had this from the time we have qualified for this tournament," said Khadka.
Come this evening and Nepal will face perhaps their biggest ever challenge, playing a Test nation and that too in their own backyard. Despite the large task in hand, Khadka seemed confident ahead of the clash.
"We are playing the host team and a Test-playing nation, so it is a great opportunity, which we don't get often. We will push everyone to each person's limit," warned Khadka.
"We will play the cricket that we know. We can't change anything. We are here to compete. We are not here for participation. The nervousness of the World Twenty20 debut is gone. We have managed to win well, but we have to start from scratch, from ball one," he added.